Yonex Vcore 95 2021 vs Ezone 98 2022 vs Vcore 95 2023

[quencheu96]

I broke my Vcore 95 2021 last night unfortunately (It slipped out of my hand during a serve and smashed right into the ground).

I'm looking to buy a batch of new rackets to replace it (and get them matched from TW).

Right now my Vcore 95 2021 is customized with a leather grip and 4g of lead at 3 & 9. I'm trying to find a racket which I could as closely replicate the feeling as possible.

Spec-wise the Vcore 95 2023 is identical to the 2021 version....except that the racket stiffness seems to be much lower which drastically changes the feel of it from what I've read. The ezone 98 stiffness seems to be closer to the 2021 vcore 95, and also plays more similarly (lower launch angle which I like since I hit flatter generally anyways).

My question is if i apply the same customizations (leather grip + 4g of lead at 3&9), which one would feel closer to my current vcore 95 2021. the vcore 95 2023 or the ezone 98. Thanks in advance!

 

[JFrijhoff]

Why do you want to switch? You can still get the Vcore 95 2021 if you still want to use that one.

 

[ttlapointe]

I would try to find a couple VC 95 2021 on the used market, you should be able to find some pretty cheap since it's not the newest model and that most people seem to prefer the 2018 or the 2023 version, and then measure and customize them to match. Where I live, some shops still have unsold ones from 2021 at a lower price. If you really love the feel and are satisfied with the frame, I'd stick with it. I've personally been trying out a bunch of frames in the past years to finally come back to the VC 95.

 

[ttlapointe]

And for the difference in feel between the 2021 and 2023 versions, you can look for some reviews/comparisons on the forums. Some say the differences are not that noticeable, and some say otherwise. I personally felt a difference. The 2023 does feel a bit softer, more powerful and with a higher launch angle, a little less direct and solid feel IMO; I liked it at first but strangely while being softer it started to hurt my arm after a couple sessions, something I did not feel with the 2021. I would also add that the Ezone is a very different frame in terms of feel and power, just by the difference in throat design and beam thickness, it's a totally different playing experience. If you consider a switch, maybe the VC 98 2023 would be worth a try. Good luck!

Edit : I forgot to add an important difference. The redesigned hoop of the 2023 makes the higher part of the stringbed more lively/spin-friendly but lower part of the stringbed inconsistent and sometimes very low powered. The 2021 is overall more consistent, but the feel is stiffer and more dampened.